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Commission approves changing open EMT slot to paramedic wage to aid hiring
Summary
To address EMS staffing shortages, commissioners approved expanding an open advanced EMT position to allow hiring a paramedic at a higher wage this year; the move is intended as a recruitment tool and the position will be incorporated into next year’s budget if filled.
The board approved a request from EMS leadership to expand an open advanced EMT (AEMT) position to permit hiring a paramedic at the paramedic salary this year, responding to scarce applications for the AEMT post.
EMS (speaker 11) reported 27 patient contacts for a recent week and said area ambulance services volunteered during the president’s visit. Commissioners discussed pay differences — a figure of about $15,000 was cited — and whether the county needed a formal motion to change the classification. After clarifying that the wage increase would fit within the department’s budget and that the position could revert if filled by an EMT, a motion to approve the change passed by voice vote.
Commissioners asked staff to ensure the position’s salary treatment in this year’s budget and to include the permanent classification in next year’s budget if the hire is retained. The board directed staff to record the change in the budget files.
